Ruth's Buka

There was only a couple tables but we had the chance to dine in. Although I think it's half a supermarket so alot of other customers were taking food to go as well. Egusi soup with chicken was flavorful and hot. Came end of day so there wasn't much okra soup left so it was slightly warm but I was able to get it mixed with Efo Riro soup and beef. Chicken tender literally fell off the bone and they gave large beef chunks. To me, definitely spicier than the egusi but pairs well with fufu and plantains help cut the spice. Water helps if you're trying to handle the spice. Or choose the rice plate, we got jollof rice, plantain, and a large turkey wing. Rice was smoky, plantain was sweet still had a slight crunch on it, turkey was yummy and had a tomato sauce with it if you're looking for something non spicy. Family owned, they had a younger girl working the front and she was sweet got us water bottles and utensils. With the older gentlemen checking up on us occasionally as well. Yummy food, came out very full and I could make another small meal with the leftovers.

The food was amazing! This was my first time trying Nigerian food and the food did not disappoint. I’d give the food a 9/10 everything was full of flavor. Service was decent, it’s more of a grab and go family restaurant. Which mean the atmosphere is basic as well. I will definitely go back for food.

I had such a great experience here. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the hospitality really stood out. Emmanuel and his niece were incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely funny, it felt like being welcomed by family. The food was amazing. It smelled so good through the bag that I couldn’t even wait to get home. I literally ate it in my car because I had to try it immediately and I ended up finishing it because it was that good. Fresh and so flavorful! This was one of those experiences where everything just hits: the food, the service, and the overall vibe. I’ll definitely be back and will be recommending this place to others.

⭐⭐ (2/5 stars) I am disappointed with this place. I paid $47 for two meals that felt all fat and no meat. The "chicken" dish actually had turkey, which wasn't even advertised. The flavor was nothing special and overall not worth the price. Skip this spot unless you want greasy, mislabeled food.

We ordered jellof rice. It was absolutely authentically made by Nigerian grandma’s recipe with smoky flavor in it. We couldn’t resist to buy a takeout after we had food right there. Highly recommended!

went with family because of the high reviews, and safe to say that we were NOT disappointed! the staff was super welcoming and we really appreciated Emmanuel for taking the time to explain their dishes to us since it was our first time ever. most importantly, the food was ✩ delicious, satiating, and very tasty! ✩ the portions were great and modestly priced as well. i will definitely be back and highly recommend it to all of my friends and family!

it’s been v difficult to find egusi and fufu in the bay area, was glad to find ruth’s and even more delighted after actually visiting and eating here. i got the egusi with generous amounts of stewed, mostly tender beef (you could also choose chicken or fish) and fufu ($25) my friend got the chicken and jollof rice plate with greens ($17, tho they have a lunch special for this i think around $10). i could have used an extra scoop of soup to go with all the beef, hehe. the fufu tasted like there was potato in it too. with drinks, tax and tip our bill came out to almost $85-90. pricey but i understand how foreign ingredients are costly, these dishes are time consuming to make and the cost of doing biz in the usa is wild. the food was really good, service nice and i love that they also sell african groceries! i’m excited to go back and eat again, plus grocery shop to try and make egusi at home. i also really enjoyed seeing so much community loving on and supporting this biz. someone even came straight off the plane from an intl flight to eat here. soul food for real 🤎

Order jollof with plantain and fish and an order of moi moi. Jollof is smokey and savory. Very well seasoned. Fish was smacking a little spicy but be careful of the bones if you've never had whole pieces of fish. Plantain was cooked perfectly. Moi moi hot and a little spice. Also the owner was sweet and the vibe was like you're with family. I would like to try the egusi when my coins are up next time lol.

Delicious food. Friendly atmosphere and great service from the team there. I ordered catering and they packaged the food properly and it was so hot, just the way I like it. If you haven't been before, you have to go try out the food here. I love love love it

I have not been in a while and they have added a grocery store. This is a great add-on so now you can kind of go grocery shopping and get food already prepared. At the same time

Great Food , brings me back to my mom's cooking. I love the jollof rice and chicken, it's delicious and smoky . This is a staple in the Bay Area !

This is a small Nigerian spot in Oakland! If my friend didn't refer me, I wouldn't have noticed the place. I've had the food a couple of times and it's too spicy for me... But it's Nigerian flavor for sure! Reasonably priced! The staff weren't friendly at all! I don't like feeling like I'm bothering people. Street parking. No public restrooms. Probably best because of the location.

There's a young lady there that doesn't seem to enjoy her job!!! She's very rude! I asked her if her fish has bone in it, meaning if the fish was fillet or not, she immediately answered me back, saying fish has bones while rolling her eyes. I felt like she purposely gave me a an extra small amount of food. The last time I was there I was given a military discount, not by her of course. The food is good but the service is horrible and for the price the portions are small. Spend your money where you are appreciated! To the owners of Ruths Buka..... put someone in front who loves to serve your customers! Not that rude ass girl with her mouth always turnt up!

Ruth's Buka is a Nigerian eats corner eatery in the Seminary district. Inside seating about 4 tables. Food is scoop ready from the steam table. Quick service upon entry. Entrees aren't labeled. 1st choice is between Main courses (mostly rice...) or soup. Starters, toppings (proteins) next. Eats: Egusi soup with fufu (21) -i seldom eat rice, so passed on main entrees -Egusi soup made from proteins & some kind of melon seed. Had a slightly spicy taste though very reddish. -fufu is some kind of wet dough made from pounded plantains, cassava & yams. Fufu dipped in soup very tasty, fulfulling. "Toppings" (5) -pieces of proteins (fish, pork, beef feet, goat) fried, broiled, or boiled. -beef feet boiled? Very chewy, semi-tuff. Not tender. -pork looking very red. Broiled? Chewy, semi-tuff. -fish looked very deep fried. 4ish stars. Would repeat with a soup, fufu, & some starters. No "toppings"/proteins nor mains. Think there was music in the backgrounds. Murals & mirrors all around . *searing gets taken very quick.

You know a place's food is good when your friend insists on you trying it and brings you home a plate!! Delicious, flavorful, tasty, spicy... and that's just the scents alone! I got Egusi Soup with Fufu bread, and Jollof Rice. AMAZING, instant happiness in your mouth!! Also has some spice to it so grab some water and keep on eatin! I need to visit this place and get the ambiance dining in person too and everything out!! I hear so many good things no matter how busy they get. So happy there's a takeout option when you're too busy or just far away. The West African flavors come through richly, perfectly with a bang in these dishes that I'm sure I'll never forget!

FUFU IN THE BAY AREA?? Ruths Buka NEVER disappoints!! My girls and I come to ruth's ONLY for their okra!! that's all we get, FAITHFULLY, meaning we'll come in and wait for them to cook a whole new fresh batch! I rarely see anyone dine-in and eat so i don't have much to say about the ambiance. However, they're a clean establishment and have friendly / family oriented staff.

5 STARSSS I WOULD GIVE 6 IF I COULD. the food here is sooo fresh that it feels like the slaughtered the animal in the back! And I'm not being biased bec this restaurant is owned by my friend mom but the service IS AMAZINGGGG they even recommended what I should get! But yeah overall 5 STARSS

Food is very tasty but the chicken was a tad overcooked. The service is decent but pricing of food can be a bit unclear. Definitely some of the best west african food in the bay!

Honestly as a Nigerian woman I'm really sad to leave a negative review, but I'm so disappointed with my experience here today. This is mostly focused on the service and lack of respect for their loyal Nigerian customers. The man behind the counter was really rude, short in tone and visibly annoyed with us asking to get more clarity about the menu and what we wanted. He said "you are stressing me" to my friend because she didn't know the difference between pounded Yam and garri and asked to change her order. When I brought this up to the owner of the restaurant she defended this disrespectful behavior and called it a joke. No apologies. The lack of basic customer service is disappointing and not a good representation of a black owned business. The food is good though.

They are extremely rude! I wanted to use them to cater an event. I called to ask how Family Bundle #7 which is only 1 large tray feeds more people than Family Bundle #1 which consists of 6 half trays (3 large trays) and she spoke to me like I was incompetent instead of answering a valid question. She read the menu to me verbatim and then spoke down to me and said I was only allowed to ask her one more question. I guess customer service means nothing. Why be rude to someone trying to understand your menu and spend money with you?

This place is such a hole in the wall find! It was like a Whole Foods hot bar in there and they had so much variety I didn't know what to pick! Someone behind me in line told me to order the garlic chicken with Jollof rice and plantains. We also ordered the Egusi stew with Fufu to dip into it. The garlic chicken was fall off the bone, and the jollof rice had a spicy kick to it. I've had jollof rice before but usually the tomato flavor seems to overpower everything. This jollof rice was probably the best I've had and the spicy just added a nice touch to everything. The Egusi stew was sooo good, I've never had anything like it! Very flavorful and comforting, and you got to pick whichever protein you wanted mixed into the stew, we did chicken! The fufu was new for me, it's like this light and squishy dough that you pick up the Egusi with, and it balances out the strong flavor of the stew. I am definitely going to go back, I can't wait to try all the other stuff!!

One of the best Nigerian food in east bay. My family use their catering services all the time. Reminds me of my mamas cooking. The right amount of flavor and authenticity with the food and family environment in the restaurant. Must go!!

I went first thing in the morning on a Saturday. Ordered and ate on the spot with my chef friend (see Rachael Z's review) and another foodie friend. We LOVED the food. It was my first time eating Nigerian food. And it was soooooo good. I noticed lots of people picking up orders for their luncheons and parties. For me, it was gratifying to see them coming in. It means the food is authentic! Love the staff's attitude too. We felt welcome! I loved the Egusi soup. A bit salty but so tasty. I recommend eating with rice. I also had their plantain and spinach sides. I tried the chicken and the goat stew. (We got plates of too much food and split them.) See Rachael Z's review for pictures.

This was my first time trying West African food. I ordered the fufu with egusi, meat pie, fish (Whiting) stew which was spicy for me. I didn't really know what to initially order,I made friends with someone in line that gave recommendations. The ambiance is very laid back, it appears to be a family business there were younger children helping ring my order up and grab my drink. For my first time, I was not use to the flavors so it was diffeent for my pallet but overall it had great flavor and it was delicious. I would definetly go back ad you can tell the food is made with a lot of love.

For what I'm paying why I can't get a bowl full of food. Customer service sucks and when they say mild they are lying. It's small and on the corner of you want to pay an arm and leg to sample some ok food.

I drove all the way from San Jose to try out this place. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was so welcoming. Luis was very helpful and so was everybody else. This place is truly a gem . I will definitely be coming back and I encourage anyone else to do the same!

Love the food here. I've been patronizing for years. The food quality continues to get better and better.

The only thing I really liked was the goat meat and the rice every thing else we got was not the best overall I would not recommend it unless you want Jollof rice, goat meat, or turkey

I've been going here for years! It's been a little while since they remodeled, I was surprised and happy to see their upgrades the first time I went since the remodel. The service is helpful and courteous, but sometimes you'll need to be patient as they do get busy. Also this is not fast food this is Real Food. I went to Nigeria for 3 weeks in 2019, I can tell you Ruth's Buka is the closest thing in the Bay Area to the authentic food in Nigeria.

We've been here several times (before renovations) and always had great food. While service was never great, at least the food was. Including two stars because I know this place has the POTENTIAL to be good again. Mind you, I've also had all these dishes before and from other locations as well. So while I didn't grow up with this food from my own household, I'm very familiar with the flavors. But man, came back this week and it was awful. Nearly $70 for egusi soup, okra soup, two servings fufu and a ginger beer. The egusi soup was primarily one piece of chicken, several pieces of dry meat and chewy/spoiled tripe, and MAYBE two spoonfuls of actually soup. Okra soup was so off that we had to throw it away (what a waste). I should've known something was off when the restaurant started to smell like burnt plastic, but didn't think they'd still serve us food that no longer tasted good. It literally tasted like no one was watching the flame and it burnt the bottom of the pot and the plastic handles as well. Egusi soup was bomb and I always look forward to the fish and goat. Except this time they ran out of goat by noon so we had to opt for chicken and beef. I wish I took a better photo but the meat was dry. Especially for the beef, it was so dry I literally thought it was a bone. My fork couldn't even pierce threw it and I nearly choked on the meat because it was so dry. The tripe tasted like it had gone bad at was also inedible with how chewy it was. Perhaps they thought overcooking it could cover up the expired taste? I really wish I was exaggerating but this place has really gone downhill since renovations. Such a shame.

BE INFORMED-A MUST READ: I was excited about trying the food at Ruth's Buka and supporting this local Nigerian Business. Unfortunately, when ordering, I was met with a cold and rude tone of passive aggressiveness by the young lady taking my order. It was hard to see the items through the glass as it was foggy, and the area was noticeably untidy and hadn't been cleaned for some time. When I asked about the different options in deciding my order, she made me feel as if I was disturbing and bothering her, rolling her eyes and rushing me as if my purchase was a nuisance. The food was subpar and the portions were small for the immense price paid for each item ($20 for 14 ounces). Making matters even more concerning was the fact that there were children who were clearly under the age of 12 working in the kitchen with the meat. As a Law Student, this violates the Children Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and children 13 years old or younger may not work in California. I am not sure how this business has flown under the radar of the US Department of Labor, but this is truly concerning. My receipt had a cashier name of Deborah and I felt conflicted about sharing my experience as I was looking forward to pouring into Ruth's Buka as a regular customer, but given these multiple circumstances, I can't in my good conscious do so. It is simply not worth it. Save your money and time and take your business elsewhere.

Today I returned to Ruth's Buka after much contemplation on whether I would return. The food here is the absolute best you can get in the Bay Area in terms of authentic African food. Weeks ago I had an experience that did not please me so I went to social media with my complaint instead of returning to the establishment. Today I was greeted with much love like always and one of the family members reached out to me to ask if we could have a conversation. We both made space for reconciliation, peace and Love. They called me family and made me feel like I was just that. Thank you from all spaces in my heart. See you soon

I was near and wanted fufu so I came here. Tried the beef Egusi with 2 fufu and meat pie. Beef was too hard like a jerky and soup had a taste that I didn't like so I couldn't finish it & I ended up throwing the entire meal away. I was thinking that the fufu was going to be good like the restaurant in San Leandro that I had gone to with the food truck that's why I bought 2 fufu. I really want to like it but it's not for me.

I have to support this place and give it 5 stars. Is the service the best? Not really. Is the food consistent? Nope, the spices and textures vary. But is the food good? Bro, it's a 15/10. I wouldn't even care if the cashier cussed me out and I didn't get what I ordered cause the food is that good. Not to say that that has happened but hypothetically my score wouldn't change if it did. Love ya Ruth.

The food was excellent. Portions generous. Kind of cafeteria style, simple. But very very good.

The food is just ok, nothing fantastic. The service was also not great, as the workers weren't friendly.

I love the egusi with fufu.Egusi is a but oily so i usually drain it out. I usually get it with beef, although it's a bit pricey to add the meat lol Service is swift since food is shown like buffet to-go style. The place is small but there are a few tables so you can choose to dine in as well. The okra stew is next on my list

Came for the first time last week.. I walked in right on time .. I had to wait for jollof rice and puff puff .. parking wasn't as bad as I expected .. walked in and to a warm bright and beautiful space with art on the walls..I felt at home like I was picking up food from my aunties house.. They have have a few tables inside to dine in.. the menu is posted on the wall underneath the food is set up in warmers .. they had everything goat whole fish beef,(I wish I knew the names of the dishes,I just eat ‍)They also have a refrigerator full of drinks (grabbed a malt for my bf) .unfortunately I didn't only ate one puff puff which and some rice .. the rice was very good.. I was extremely surprised food was still very hot after a 10 min ride home.. can't wait to come back so I can try the goat.

Have been hearing a lot about this place and so I was so excited to visit and try. I finally got the chance to stop by this Memorial Weekend and I had such a bad experience, I will not be revisiting. The older man who served the food behind the counter was so openly rude to me when I inquired if the two trays of meat pie on the display counter were the same. He glanced at me and asked "were you not here when the trays came out of the kitchen together? Can you not see they are the same? You were too busy pressing your phone when they arrived so why are you asking me if the meat pie is the same?" Excuse me?? Do I work there? Am I an employee that I should be keeping tabs on what is going in and out of the kitchen? As a customer, am I not allowed to ask questions? What kind of useless response was that? Was a simple "yes" or "no" too hard to say? Is it out of the realm of possibility that two trays of pastries can be different (meat pie vs chicken pie)? Nigerians bring this useless attitude from home where they talk down to people who appear younger than them, are women, or if they feel the job they are working is beneath them. If you feel like as a "big man" you are too big to serve behind the counter, then return to Nigeria where you can live at the level you believe you deserve! Don't talk down on customers who are contributing to your business! I will not be returning here and I'm so disappointed in the nonsense customer service received here. The food is okay, only the soups are worth it in my opinion. I also ordered beans and plantain which both tasted flat. Food cost FAR too much to be served with paper plates and bowls, and the portion size is rather small. I wouldn't waste my money here.

This was my first time having African food, specifically Nigerian and it was all I could wish for and more. I absolutely loved my first experience with egusi and fufu. It was deliciously spicy and the goat was super yummy. The only reason I removed one star is that the meat was a bit tough- not sure if it's because it was the end of the day but the beef and the goat were a bit tough and would have loved it to be more tender. The fufu was perfect and the egusi- I dream about it. I drove all the way from Walnut Creek to eat this and I would do it again and again! We need more African restaurants please! Everyone needs to experience this delicious culture and food!

I walked in it was small. But, I read about it being comfortable size. I waited until a few people came out! When I came in right away that aroma! That aroma oh my goodness! My daughter says why does it smell so good! I couldn't believe my nose! Home home home! The smiles while the owners prepared food! Now that's home like on a Sunday! Melted my heart! Ok a few people in front of us! How quickly she was serving and getting people in and out! Not mean not aggressive but so kind! I'm the smell is Amazing! The service is Amazing. Now a few people said on Yelp meat serving is tiny. Sorry which will be fine with me. I don't really care for the meat! So, it's going to well! The food can't taste as great as it smells! This is going to good! Come here Mama! Let me slap you! The food was so delicious! Makes you want to slap ya' mama!!! I had been waiting on pounded yam. Aka fu fu swallow etc. Man didn't care for it! It was good just not me! Now surprising! My miss picky 22 year old loved it! Go figure! Sh@@! Sorry put that fish LorT help us delicious! I tried egusi soup! I don't like soup! Period! Why y'all do this to me! Deeeeeeelishioush!!!!!!! I wasn't even able to finish it! So filling! Egusi with fish and plantains! I love plantains! I even cook my own time to time! But y'all these were so good! Ok my daughter had Jollof rice meat pie goat and plantain! Man oh man! It wasn't small portion of meat! Everything was huge! Flavorful, tasty, very delicious and excellent service !!! I will be a regular! I had to let them know she was service but still thanked me for thanking her! Team work, kind family, delicious! Heart warming! Thank you all! Cashier so so cute!

This restaurant, the food the service all fo the above deserves nothing less than 5 stars. Today I discovered heaven on earth! The last time I had food so amazing was when I was 16 and my auntie Aiesha used to cook this food for my family. Words cannot explain my gratitude for finding this restaurant and I pray that it never goes away. I traveled from the South Bay just for this amazing and purely authentic West African cuisine.

Best JOLLOF Rice I ever had hahahaha. Like seriously. That chicken and JOLLOF rice combo is insanely good. I wish they were open everyday. I even put my brother onto this spot and he can't get enough of this place. I'm grateful for this restaurant's authenticity and delicious foods.

TLDR: The only place you'll find authentic Nigerian food in the bay! Definitely get their stews (my favorite is the efo riro). Food: 8/10 My boyfriend was looking for a spot to show me authentic Nigerian food in the bay and he loved this one! We got a spread of suya, efo riro stew, egusi stew, and puff puffs. We skipped jollof and meat pies because we can make those at home. I loved the efo riro stew and the puff puffs were the best I've ever had! We both agreed we'd come back if we're ever craving. Price & Portion: 8/10 The food is super affordable and so worth it to leave feeling full! I don't remember the exact cost, but I remember it was very reasonable for the amount of food we got for 2 people. Service: 7/10 This is a family owned business and they were super friendly! My boyfriend did most of the ordering, since this was his element. Ambience: 6/10 The restaurant itself is super small! So I'd recommend either ordering takeout for large parties or coming with just a few people.

The food here is soo good! Wish they would have turkey for the soup more often definitely recommend trying

I don't much to compare this place too. & I don't have experience eating this type of food. I will say that I got something that ultimately seems to be delicious... but something taste like soap. Lol like whatever type of soap is just in the dish or pots they use & I can be sensitive to the taste of it. Kinda like using Tupperware & the Tupperware has a taste that left of food... lol My partner really like his dish though. So I'd give it a shot!

Family owned and delicious. Be prepared to spend some money but it's definitely worth it. Egusi was amazing . The meat Pattie's were a little on the dry side the dough could have been more flakey but for $2 a patty just dip it in whatever soup you buy. The Jollof rice definetly a hit. I love the smokiness to it . I will be back to this establishment in the future especially to share with my family .

I've been wanting to try this place since I seen it all over TikTok, had no idea it was so close, right over the bridge the Okra & Fufu are literally my favorite to order. The restaurant itself is pretty hidden and small but that's what makes it so good, you'd have no idea how yummy the food is until you give it a chance! Definitely plan accordingly because once I left it was crowed and the seats are definitely limited.

OMG I loved this place! It's truly a hidden gem! It's decked with the most elegant decor. The staff is amazing very great at making people comfortable.

. Tried the meat pie and rice jolof plate with beef. Hella tasty. Ladies working the counter were nice, friendly, helpful. I'll be back!

The only reason this place gets three stars is because the food is good. the service is terrible if you're a black female with a white male. One girl had an attitude when we were ordering, and as my friend said have a good day she mumbled something under her breathe. I've been here before twice by myself and with black friends and no problems. Kinda sus. And the amount of fufu given isn't even enough for my 4 year old sister to get full off of. I've been given two times the amount of fufu before so also weird.

Who else is on the trend to try African food because of tiktok? Me!! I been looking everywhere for the egusi soup to eat with the fufu and I found this place on Yelp. I was of course skeptical to trying it because this is definitely something out of my comfort zone, but it didn't stop me from actually ordering something to try. I simply ordered the egusi soup with fufu on the side. It took about 25-30 mins for it to be ready so make sure to call ahead before you arrive. Honestly, I hate eating with my hands especially if I'm in the car, so bring some gloves as well if you're like me! The portions are small like the other reviews stated, but I think it's good for one person/serving. Let me describe the soup, it has tons of spices and seasonings. It's kind of weird, but kinda good? It's definitely not what I'm used to eating. The fufu has a mochi/mashed potato like texture and you're supposed to grab it, roll it into a ball almost, and scoop/dip into whatever soup you ordered. I'm going to be honest, I would definitely give this place a try if you want to try out Nigerian foods, but I don't think I'll come back because this doesn't really suit my tastebuds.

The food is delicious, but grandma's attitude is nasty! I really enjoy all the flavors, seasonings, and spices, I highly recommend this restaurant!

So me and my wife walked into this little hole In the wall I was recomended to try some Egusi. The foods flavor was there but lacked portion and was a bit on the oily side. When I walked in it is a cute spot. But that's where it ends. 1st They have a child (under 15) working behind the counter. 2nd I saw online that goat was an extra 3.50 for a serving of goat with the egusi. I was told that it was a 10 dollar up charge. So I accepted. When I saw how much they served me I was in shock. 3 pieces of bone with some tough meat on it. Mostly bone. My wife ordered beef and the little girl gave her 4 pieces of meat and then proceeded to take a piece out since the 3 tiny pieces were enough in her opinion. I walked out spending 66 dollars on 1 egusi with beef, 1 egusi with goat, a meat pie and a nasty punch drink that I was told was good. This place disappointed me since me and my wide travel long and far for foods. This is not a come back type of place.

This was my 1st time at this restaurant and I will definitely be back. I live 2.5 hours away. Clean, Great Customer Service and Beautiful Family Restaurant. The wide variety of African Food.

Great food! Fast & good customer service! Thank you! I found my new spot when I come to Oakland. 10/10 recommend!! Tip: if you're getting soup, you're gonna have to get 2 fufu's with it because In pictures it looks like a small amount of soup but They give you a really large amount for one person ... the bowl is kind of tall Disclaimer : there soup is VERY spicy for the average American taste buds lol ... warning : keep a few water bottles It's still super good tho!!!

food is so good It was well worth the drive from Stockton happy birthday to you me!! The turkey wing is fire I love everything about it the food and the place I would definitely go back again